SWR Baby Blue Head + ? Cab

[CH Design]

I'm thinking about picking up an SWR Baby Blue head for a small practice rig. I'm trying to figure out what cab to pair with it. Ideally it's not going to be any bigger than a 2x10, be relatively inexpensive and come in 4 ohms. I'm looking for something that has tight deep lows, smooth mids and a crisp, but not snappy top end. I would also like to get something that is fairly efficient to make the most of what little power the head has. So far I've though of a Yamaha BBT110S (I can't find one) or an Epifunky 210. Other cab's 've considered are an EA VL-110, an Epifani UL-110 S1 and a Bergantino HT-110, but these don't come in 4 ohms. Am I just being too picky with the 4 ohm thing? With this little wattage, would the difference between a 4 ohm cab and an 8 ohm cab be that different? Any advice from someone who has owned, or still owns, this or similar low powerd head would be greatly appreciated.

 

[basslinejam]

I'm looking for something that has tight deep lows, smooth mids and a crisp, but not snappy top end

...describes the Accugroove sound to me...

I used a Bag end S-15 with my Elec Blue, but that doesn't have much low end extension.

EA M-Line Wizzy? Light, 4 ohm and moves a little air.

I think the EB is the best sounding head SWR ever made.

 

[CH Design]

...describes the Accugroove sound to me....

Based on what I have ready about Accugroove cabs you are probably right. However, they don't exactly quality as "relatively inexpensive" IMO, even if you can find a used one.

 

[IvanMike]

i have the original electric blue head that does 120 watts at 8 ohms, and 150 at 4 ohms. later models also let you power 160 watts at 2 ohms.

given the nominal wattage increase, it makes no diff if the cab is 8 or 4. i would reccomend using an 8 ohm small cab and adding another for larger gigs. It really makes more difference volume wise adding another cab.

despite the low wattage, you can power some big speakers with this head, just not to their full potential. i have used mine with an 810 and that was neat.

 

[Chef]

Do SWR sell the head separately?

 

[iammr2]

Do SWR sell the head separately?

Yes, as the Electric Blue. I use one with a Bag End S-15. Deep lows? Eh...that depends. I like it. I'm with Ivan. Get the 8ohm and you can always add another cab. Or get the S-15L for more bass.

 

[CH Design]

Do SWR sell the head separately?

Do, no. Did, yes. They pop up every now and then.

 

[Lia_G]

If you do want a 4 ohm 210 (although I agree with what others have posted about the minimal gains), I really like the Carvin BRX10.2 Neo. About 50 pounds, and $375 new, and the tone is very nice, imho.

Cheers,
Liam

 

[iammr2]

Do, no. Did, yes. They pop up every now and then.

Thanks for the correction, fretless-guy. SWR's website says the Electric Blue was out from '90-'93. Then the Baby Blue Head was out from '98-'02. I have an Electric Blue II who's inspection sticker dates it to 2/93.

 

[Bernie P.]

How about the Aggie 2x8?
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Chef]

Low Down Sound make some very nice 2x8's; I used one with my Baby Blue II combo. I also loaded the Combo with their long throw drivers.

 

[IvanMike]

a few years ago i was in one of the nyc music stores and they had two of the baby blue extention cabs for 250 each. i didnt have the cash and i cried. they sounded great and were super light.

 

[CH Design]

a few years ago i was in one of the nyc music stores and they had two of the baby blue extention cabs for 250 each. i didnt have the cash and i cried. they sounded great and were super light.

+1 I used to own one of the extension cabs. I was really impressed with the tone. I used it with an old SWR 350 Red face. It was one of the original cabs with the Bag End drivers. I was always afraid to push it since you can't get replacements.

Chef,
How would you compare Don's 2x8 with the original speakers in the combo?

 

[Chef]

I used the "long throw" drivers. They have big rubber surrounds and a much higher x-max. They go deeper, and take more power.

 

[chadds]

I used the "long throw" drivers. They have big rubber surrounds and a much higher x-max. They go deeper, and take more power.

Some have said pants flappers. The Celestions were an improvement but similar in power handling and output. The LDS long throws make it a big bass amp too. I say too because it retains it's original qualities also.

 

[CH Design]

Thanks for all the great advice. I lost out on the head by about $10. Maybe all of the great info here will help in the cab selection process for new owner.

 

[mesaboogieman24]

I have an Electric Blue- LOVE IT!
Right now I'm using it with a SWR workingman's 1x10T extension...It's good but not awesome.
It does sound beautiful on top my mesa powerhouse 2x10 and 1x15. The 150 watts it pushes sounds huge!
I'm really gassing for a Bergantino ht 1x10 though...maybe even a pair of em for a great 'mini' rig.

 

[CH Design]

I'm still hoping to be able to find one. It's too bad nobody has copied the preamp section and updated it with more power and a few handy features.

 

[Tom Howland]

Aggie Little Jack 2x8 with a 6" mid.